KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which
explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30.
Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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Make this holiday season one to remember. Now through the entire month of December, The Nutcracker returns to the historic Warner Theatre. Whether you are surprising loved ones with an evening out or planning a family celebration, The Nutcracker offers the kind of magic that brings generations together. Premium seating includes extra-wide plush chairs, in-seat wait service, early lounge access, and complimentary parking, a gift that everyone will appreciate. Our concierge team ensures your evening feels seamless from start to finish, so you can focus on what matters most, spending time with the people you love. Gather your family and friends, select your night out, and share the joy of The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre. The best seats in the house are filling quickly. Learn more and view dates here. Questions? You can reach Maryclaire Griffin at 202-626-8255 or maryclairegriffin@livenation.com.
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The Snowman™ and the Snowdog is a "wondrous gift for the holidays!" (DC Theatre Arts) and Helen Hayes Award recommended. This heartwarming new musical is on stage through Jan 4. About: A boy who’s moved into a new home builds a snowman and snow dog to cope with the loss of his pet. When they come to life, the three embark on a fantastic nighttime adventure. Best for ages 4+. Tickets sart at $15. Winter Classes (Ages 1-18) and Spring Break Camps - registration is now open. Class sessions begin Jan 20. Summer Registration opens Jan 9! Tickets, Registrations and Gift Cards are available on our website: Click on the image to get there!
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Board the “College Park Express” as we transform the College Park Aviation Museum gallery into a miniature holiday town from the past. Experience the holiday season and the thrill of our annual Trains and Planes program. Participate in activities, see the museum’s own train collection, and “meet and greet” train hobbyists who will take you back in time to experience the sights and sounds of their train displays. Free with admission.
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Join us for an Open House to learn more about Concord Hill School and the admission process. Prospective families will have the opportunity to hear from the administrative team, meet teachers from across grade levels and current families, and take part in a guided group tour of our classrooms.
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Celebrate the Holidays with a Festival of Trains! What better way for the B&O to celebrate the holidays than with trains! On select days November through December, come to the Museum from 10 am to 4 pm to see festive model train layouts, enjoy the holiday decor, participate in holiday crafts, get photos with Santa, take a ride on the Reindeer Railway, and so much more!
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An aviator crash lands in the desert. Could that be a mirage? No, it’s a little prince from another planet! When the two become unlikely friends, they learn lessons from the desert’s many creature—from the sly Fox and the deceitful Snake to the vain and needy Rose—and discover new ways of seeing and loving.
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November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026: A soaring new musical for the holiday season! This follow-up to Raymond Briggs’ “The Snowman™” is based on the video of the same name. Told with breathtaking theatre magic by talented actors, stunning puppetry, and beautiful projections. A boy has moved into a new house and lost his beloved dog. In the garden he builds a snowman and then, to keep it company, a snow dog. They both come to life during the night, and the three embark on a fantastic journey. Best for Ages 4 - 10.
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Williamsburg’s Biggest and Brightest Christmas Event! Holiday cheer returns to Busch Gardens® Williamsburg for our annual Christmas Town™ celebration on select dates between November 14 and January 4, 2026. The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park is once again transformed with more than ten million twinkling lights, creating one of the largest light displays in North America.
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We're getting jolly! Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! Join us during weekends in December for a jolly good time filled with holiday crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and so much more. Don’t miss out on the merry memories waiting to be made!
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Celebrate the holidays at ZooLights! Enjoy twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere as this beloved winter classic returns to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Journey through magical displays of glowing animal lanterns, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa and other festive treats, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of one million environmentally friendly LED lights. ZooLights is a family-friendly, conservation-minded holiday tradition — each visit helps support the Zoo’s mission to save species and protect habitats worldwide.
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break Camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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The Washington, D.C. metro area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and
engaging in festive activities.
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KidsOutAndAbout is the DMV's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! The activities we've listed here are confirmed for this year, but many require reserving ahead of time, and
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Detroit Metro Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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